Aboard Queen Mary 2, the luxuries abound

Long accustomed to cosseting travelers in the lap of luxury, Cunard is now extending its expertise to the four-legged friends of its Queen Mary 2 guests.  Recognizing the growing trend toward traveling with pets, the cruise line has made noteworthy enhancements to its “Pets on Deck” program, including adding a range of pet-friendly services and amenities such as fresh-baked biscuits at turn-down; a choice of beds and blankets; and even a QM2-logoed coat.

Queen Mary 2’s kennel program is overseen by a full-time Kennel Master who takes care of daily pet care responsibilities such as feeding, walking and cleaning the ship’s 12 spacious kennels.

As part of the enhanced program, traveling dogs and cats also receive a complimentary gift pack featuring a QM2-logoed coat, Frisbee, name tag, food dish and scoop; a complimentary portrait with pet owners; a crossing certificate and personalized cruise card.  Other pet perks include:

-extra comfortable pet beds in two sizes
-healthy gourmet cookies for dogs and cats baked fresh daily and offered at bedtime
-fleece blankets
-assortment of dog and cat toys
-cat posts and scratchers
-selection of premium pet foods from top brands.

“For some Cunard guests, transporting their pets safely and comfortably is a top priority, and having them cross the Atlantic onboard QM2 is far more desirable than flying them between continents,” said Carol Marlow, president and managing director of Cunard Line.  “And now our guests’ pets can truly travel in real style.”

The kennels and adjacent indoor and outdoor walking areas are open throughout the day, enabling guests to spend significant time with their pet.  Reservations for the kennels may be made at time of booking, and are based on space availability.  The kennel fee ranges from US$300 to US$500.

Taking good care of its guests’ beloved pets is a long and illustrious Cunard tradition.  The line’s friendly pet policy dates back to the maiden voyage of the Britannia in 1840, when three cats were on board.  Since then, circus elephants, canaries, a monkey and even a boa constrictor have traveled Cunard.

Widely considered the line-of-choice by generations of celebrities, Cunard has also transported a surprising number of notable pets.  Mr. Ramshaw, the world’s only trained golden eagle, made at least 21 transatlantic crossings on mid 20th-century liners; Rin-Tin-Tin, star of 36 silent films, traveled on the Berengaria; and Tom Mix and Tony, stars of the 1930’s western series “Miracle Rider,” regularly trotted up the gangway. (Tony’s hooves were even fitted with special rubber shoes to prevent the horse from slipping.)

In the 1950s, Elizabeth Taylor brought her pampered puppies on board the original Queen Mary and exercised them regularly on the ship’s sports deck.  She even ordered special meals for them from the fish chef.  The Duke and Duchess of Windsor also traveled with a beloved pup and, at the Duke’s behest, Cunard installed a lamp post beside the kennels.

Queen Mary 2 is the grandest ocean liner ever built. There are 1,310 suites and cabins available in degrees of style and comfort ranging from pampered elegance to almost unimaginable luxury in the ship’s famed Grill-level accommodations.  Queen Mary 2 brings together like-minded travelers who relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star Service^SM, fine dining, sophisticated adventure and legacy of historic voyages and transatlantic travel.

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